Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not a member of Oxford University - can I still come to OMEDS classes and events?

Yes! OMEDS is not a university society, and we welcome all dancers whether you are a student or not.

I'm interested in classes, but I'm not sure that I want to commit to a whole term. Can I come to classes as a 'drop in' student?

We don't currently offer drop in classes. However, at the beginning of each term we have a 'taster' class which you can come to for just £5 without any commitment to sign up for the rest of the term. If you aren't able to get to weekly classes, you may also want to check out some of the other local teachers on our links page, as some do offer drop-in classes.

I want to start taking classes, but OMEDS classes are inconvenient for me - what can I do? Well, obviously we'd like it if you came to our classes, but if that's not an option we hope you can still find a suitable class. You can find details of some other local teachers on our links page, who teach at different times and venues. You are also welcome to contact us, and we can provide information about classes that we know of that you might be interested in. We also always welcome feedback about our classes, and if there is a lot of demand for classes at a different time or venue then we may consider starting a new class.

What should I wear to classes/workshops?

For classes, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. Leggings, tracksuit bottoms, harem pants or a full skirt are all suitable, however we advise against wearing jeans as they can be very restrictive and uncomfortable to dance in. It is also useful to have a scarf or coin belt to tie around your hips - this makes it easier to see your hip movements. For workshops however, it usually considered polite to not wear anything with coins on, as if lots of people wear them at a busy workshop then the noise can make it hard to hear the teacher.

Do dancers need to have a specific body type?

No. Everybody can learn and enjoy Middle Eastern dance, regardless of body type. You don't need to be slim or have a flat tummy, and conversely, you don't need to have curves either - movements will look different on different people, but all can be great dancers. It is sad when people say to us 'I'd like to dance but I'm too large/old/whatever' - nobody is the wrong shape to dance, and dancing can be fun, liberating and beautiful for people of all shapes and sizes.

Can men bellydance?

Yes, although male dancers are less common, there are many talented and respected male dancers. In the Middle East, although professional dancers are almost always female, men at parties and in clubs will often dance in a style that is similar to bellydance - that's just how people dance! Notable male dancers include Ozgen and Tito Seif.

Can men attend OMEDS classes and events?

Yes, our classes are open to everyone who wants to learn Middle Eastern dance. However, if you are unsure or have more questions please feel free to contact us.